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Monday, February 29, 2016

Vatican City, 29 February 2016 (VIS) –
One hundred and fifty members of the Rome-St. Peter's Carabinieri
Squad who work with the competent bodies of the Holy See to regulate
events in and around St. Peter's Square throughout the year were
received by Pope Francis in the Clementine Hall of the Vatican this
morning. The pontiff thanked them for their work in service of
pilgrims and tourists, noting that it is work that "requires
professionalism and a sense of responsibility as well as attention to
people---many of whom are elderly---continuous patience and
availability to all. These are not easy qualities, which is why it is
important to rely on God's help."

"The Holy Year of Mercy," he
continued, "opens the possibility of renewal to all of us,
beginning with inner purification, which is reflected in how we act
and in how we carry out our daily activities. This spiritual
dimension of the Jubilee compels each of us to question our actual
commitment in responding to the demands of faithfulness to the Gospel
to which the Lord calls us from our state in life. The Jubilee thus
becomes a propitious occasion for personal and community
verification. The 'paradigm' to test ourselves against are works of
mercy, both corporal and spiritual. The Lord reminds us: 'Whatever
you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.'"

"May this teaching of Jesus also
guide you, who are responsible for the protection of public order,
and help you to foster solidarity in every circumstance, especially
towards the weak and defenceless. To be guardians of the right to
life through the commitment to safety and the safety of persons. In
carrying out this mission, may we always be aware that every person
is loved by God and is his creature deserving of welcome and respect.
May the grace of the extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy," the Pope
concluded his brief address, "renew the spirit which you
dedicate to your profession, bringing you to live it with extra
attention, devotion, and generosity.